Dogue de Bordeaux

Lifestyle Needs

Dogue de Bordeaux

The Dogue de Bordeaux is a big Mastiff-type dog with a very large head. In his past he was used for hunting and fighting, so it is not surprising that he is an exceptionally strong and quite dominant dog. His owner would need to be experienced in handling and training a dog of this size and type. He does not make the ideal family pet. He will need regular grooming and plenty of exercise.

EPS is a measure of how many individuals are contributing genetically to a breed population. It is a measure of the size of the gene pool in a breed. Lower than 100 is considered critical by conservationists and below 50 brings a breed close to extinction. For more information see the Kennel Club article.

Health and Welfare Problems due to Conformation(Body shape and physical characteristics)

Ask the breeder to show you the certificates for the above tests/screening for both parents. If any of the above tests have not been considered necessary by the breeder (and there may be good reasons), ask her to explain why.

Other Diseases Reported(For which there are currently no genetic or screening tests for sire or dam)

Dilated cardiomyopathy (degeneration of heart muscles)

Aortic stenosis (the flow of blood from the heart to the aorta is obstructed)

Ectropion (outward turning eyelids exposing soft part of the eye which can cause pain and irritation)

Ask the breeder about the medical history of the parents, grandparents and great grandparents. Consider carefully whether to purchase a puppy if some of these or other diseases are in the family line.

Ask about the breeder’s policy in cases of serious genetic diseases occurring to your puppy in later life. Good breeders will request to be informed of such events in order to improve future breeding decisions. Some breeders will also agree to contribute towards medical costs or refund purchase price.

You are strongly advised to buy from a breeder who uses (or is prepared to use) the RSPCA / BVA AWF Puppy Contract and Puppy Information Pack (PIP): www.puppycontract.org.uk

Search for Health Information by Breed

Promoting Animal Welfare

A more detailed and scientific website which also assesses the welfare impact of genetic diseases and traits.

Inherited Diseases in Dogs (IDID)

University of Cambridge, Dr David Sargan, Inherited Diseases in Dogs (IDID).
IDID is a searchable site containing short descriptions of diseases for which there is strong proof of inheritance in the veterinary scientific literature. There are links to scientific publications about those diseases. Very complete in terms of breeds represented, and on modes of inheritance, mutations where known, and DNA tests.

VetCompass Infographics

Recommended Reading

Predispositions to Disease in Dogs and Cats, Alex Gough and Alison Thomas (Wiley-Blackwell)Buy On Amazon

﻿A comprehensive list of health issues for all of the dog breeds to assist practising vets in their diagnoses. Also an indication of how common these diseases are in a particular breed. And without which this website could not have been created.

Admin

IPFD and DogWellNet

International Partnership for Dogs (IPFD) and DogWellNet

The IPFD is a registered non-profit organisation based in Sweden which aims to facilitate the collaboration and sharing of resources to improve the health,well-being and welfare of pedigree dogs and all dogs worldwide. DogWellNet.com is the internet platform of the IPFD which seeks to build a worldwide community for all those involved with dogs. Its slogan is, From Information to Action.

Puppy Plan

The Puppy Plan is a Dogs Trust and Kennel Club website which provides a framework for the socialisation and habituation of puppies for breeders and new owners. The website helps new owners to buy a puppy from a breeder who understands how important those early weeks of socialisation are in a puppy's life. It also provides valuable information to new owners about how to habituate a new puppy to its life as a family pet and avoid the all too frequent behaviour problems.
The Puppy Plan Website

RSPCA Dog Welfare Campaigns

Seeks an end to the breeding of dogs based on looks. Dogs bred to the KC’s breed standards could suffer from pain, hereditary diseases and developing health problems. These exaggerated features may have been celebrated at dog shows but to some of our best loved breeds, they mean a life of pain and misery.RSPCA Dog Welfare Campaign Website

DAC Guide to Buying a Puppy

An easy to use online facility for prospective puppy purchasers. Excellent advice on finding a good breeder and a healthy puppy. Not breed specific.
Dogs Advisory Council Website

RSPCA’s Get Puppy Smart

Dog Breeding Reform Group

(DBRG) is a charitable trust set up in 2015 to campaign for the improved regulation of dog breeding and better enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act 2006. It aims to inform the public about the welfare issues associated with dog breeding. It provides puppy buyers with the tools they need to ensure purchase of a healthy puppy bred to high welfare standards.Dog Breeding Reform Group